Long time East Falls resident and mother of three named a member of national honors society.
For a 49 year-old mother nervous about going back to school, La’Tonya Redmond-Kraft sure finished her freshman year strong at Strayer University. The East Falls resident was humbled to learn recently of her induction into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), an organization that recognizes academic excellence in freshman and sophomore students.
La’Tonya resolved to go back to school after years as a stay at-home mom. “I’d raised the kids to the point where they were independent and I figured it was time to do something for me.”
Besides, her daughters were getting tired of their mom answering their homework questions. “I’ve always been a good student, so I guess it was a habit,” she said with a laugh. “And my daughters didn’t want me looking over their shoulders when they were studying. They finally said, ‘Mom, haven’t you always talked about going back to school?”
She realized too she wouldn’t ever achieve her dream of owning her own business if she didn’t get the necessary education. So she visited the Strayer University campus and enrolled immediately as a business major.
The idea of winning honors never occurred to her – “I was so nervous going back to school after such a long time away that I just focused on the work. Doing my best was the only thing I thought about.”
Even after she learned of the honor (which is invitation only – the Strayer faculty submitted her name), she kept the same level-headed mindset. “I don’t want to celebrate anything until I’ve got my degree, that’s the goal. Then I’ll do it up right.”
She is nevertheless humbled by the honor and is deeply grateful to so many who made it possible. “I’d like to thank God first of all. Then my school for nominating me. My deceased mother set a great example for me and my husband and three daughters gave me so much love and support. I’ve been blessed to have so many people in my life that have inspired me to never give up.”
ABOUT NSCS
Founded in 1994, the Society has active chapters at more than 300 college and university campuses across the United States and more than one million lifetime members.
NSCS provides career and graduate school connections, leadership and service opportunities and awards $1 million in scholarships annually to students across the U.S. NSCS members are deeply committed to scholarship, leadership and service and, as a result, impact their campus and local communities each day.
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